When I first heard we were going to interview Ruth Bobo for
a story in today’s edition about efforts to raise money for her healthcare
costs, I jumped at the chance to see her again.
During my illustrious career at Claremont High School from
1970 to 1974, I was a student of Mrs. Bobo’s on 2 separate occasions. I vividly
remember my senior year, when she gently pushed and creatively motivated me
into learning the nuances of the English language. It was critical for my
development, since I was off to college the next year and really needed to hone
my writing skills. Even though I would later have a career as a professional
photographer, this is when I first started writing columns for the school
newspaper.
Based on what you are reading here today, I like to think
she was successful.
I clearly remember the skills Mrs. Bobo used to connect with
students. It’s like she instantly knew what made you tick. She recognized my
skills as a photographer, yet kept emphasizing how journalism needed to be an
important skill set, too. I was also a gregarious gent, who liked to chitchat
with the girls. I remember being moved around the classroom several times so
she could keep a keen eye on me (and shut me up).
There are hundreds of examples like mine, where Mrs. Bobo
contributed to the development of young adults for 4 decades. She gave so much
of herself.
But on top of these fond memories, the healthcare issues
Mrs. Bobo faces in 2012 also touch a very sensitive and important area for my
family.
As I’ve stated in previous columns, my parents went through
a very similar issue where the costs of healthcare were like quicksand—draining
entire life savings just to stay healthy and maintain some sort of quality of
life. This has influenced the way I view the world, and how I vote, and is
motivation to help others who lost jobs, which basically means losing
healthcare insurance.
Mrs. Bobo is really lucky she has an advocate in Arin Allen.
He and the Bobo family have made it their personal goal to make sure Mrs. Bobo
will continue to have a quality life, no matter what healthcare hurdles are
placed in front of her. It won’t be easy, but in this day, anything is
possible. It’s also a classic case how one person can make a huge impact on the
lives of others.
With all the people in Claremont and beyond who know and
love Mrs. Bobo, I have a feeling the future will be bright for her and her
family.
As I left Mrs. Bobo’s house after our interview, she turned
and said how she enjoyed my writing in the newspaper. I got chills as if it
were 1974 again, where my English teacher just complimented my work.
I will always remember Ruth Bobo.
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